20 Attractions to Explore Near Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Promontory Point in Cook County, Illinois is a picturesque spot located on the shore of Lake Michigan, just north of downtown Chicago. The historic park features native vegetation, miles of trails perfect for walking or biking, and stunning views of the city skyline. Visitors can relax on the sand beach, take in unique art installations like the Swimming Hole steps at the mouth of Burnham Harbor, or explore nearby attractions such as Museum Campus South and Soldier Field.

The Frederick C. Robie House is a classic example of modern American architecture from the early twentieth century. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, it boasts several innovative features, such as its Prairie Style, open floor plan and ribbon windows. Built between 1908 and 1910, this two-story house with a flat roof includes built-in furnishings and sitting areas with skylights that flood the interior with natural sunlight.

Jackson Park is a beautiful public space filled with many attractions. Boasting a picturesque and expansive lake view, activities include fresh and saltwater fishing, boat rentals and sandy beaches. Along the shoreline there are nature trails that skirt the water's edge for biking, hiking, or jogging. Picnic areas equipped with tables and BBQ grills come alive on summer afternoons with families taking advantage of the natural amenities and a playground provides entertainment for the children.

The Oriental Institute Museum offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of ancient civilizations from all over the world. Located on the University of Chicago campus, the museum is home to extensive collections of artifacts from Egypt, Iraq, Syria and Turkey spanning centuries of human activity. Visitors can explore galleries dedicated to understanding ancient life through interpretive displays explaining daily routines and rituals such as mummification and burial practices.

The Renaissance Society is a not-for-profit arts organization. They strive to bring visionary works of contemporary art to the public and promote meaningful dialogue and learning. Founded in 1915, they are among the oldest galleries in the US dedicated solely to contemporary art. They have presented exceptional exhibitions and hosted lectures, symposiums and other public programs that emphasize education, access and engagement with diverse contemporary art forms.

This is a museum dedicated to African American history and culture. Founded in 1961, the museum holds one of the largest African American collections in any museum on record. Not only are they home to countless artifacts and documents, the museum provides education resources that include regular exhibits, lectures, family activities, and lesson plans. It also serves as a center for artistic expression where local and national talent can shine through visual art displays and musical performances.

S. R. Crown Hall is the emblematic space for the Illinois Institute of Technology’s College of Architecture. Designed by world-renowned architect Mies van der Rohe and built 1955-56, this building is a Modernist masterpiece that embraced the structure of steel and glass which allowed natural lighting to flood through its spaces while giving a progressive structural gesture to academic learning.

Glessner House is an ornate French château-style mansion that occupies an entire city block. Built in 1887 for retail giant George Dunning Glessner and his wife Frances, the home was designed by renowned American architect Henry Hobson Richardson. With its many intricate masonry details and its decorative ironwork, Glessner House stands as a testament to the time period's transformation of style from Victorian to modern.

Ping Tom Memorial Park is known for its diverse cultural aspects and range of attractions. visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the city skyline and experience a unique urban oasis. The park boasts an eclectic array of gardens, sculptures, tai chi stations and playgrounds all contained within 20 acres of land. Additionally, there are restaurants available to provide refreshments and an outdoor performance pavilion offering a variety of entertaining concerts to enjoy.

The Adler Planetarium, has been inspiring guests since 1930. This National Historic Landmark has remained dedicated to advancing the public’s understanding of astronomy and space science. From exploring the wonders of space at their six full-dome theaters, to discovering artifacts from early space exploration in the diverse exhibition halls - Adler provides a wealth of astronomical knowledge and insight.

The Field Museum of Natural History is a fascinating and educational place to explore. Founded in 1893 as part of the World's Columbian Exposition, The Field Museum showcases collections that span more than 4.5 billion years of history. It houses over 40 million unique specimens and objects from the natural environment, including many dinosaur fossils and ancient artifacts. Visitors can take knowledge packed guided tours through the museum or wander on their own.

The Shedd Aquarium is one of the country's top tourist destinations. The aquarium hosts a wide variety of marine life including sharks, dolphins, turtles, small freshwater fish and rays. It strives to preserve ocean habitats and represents five different habitats from around the world. Visitors can explore each habitat in person or take advantage of interactive digital displays that give information about some of its inhabitants.

The Museum Campus offers something for everyone! Visit Navy Pier and its exciting exhibits and interactive displays. Walk along the vibrant Lake Michigan shoreline, admiring all of the sights and experiencing life more fully. Discover fantastic green spaces such as Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo or Northerly Island Nature Preserve. There's also a variety of cultural attractions to explore – including museums such as the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium or the Adler Planetarium.

Grant Park is one of the most iconic parks established in 1869, this sprawling park has been a hot spot for locals and tourists alike ever since. With a zoo and conservatory, recreation and leisure options abound here. Sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic groves bring families together throughout the year. Special attractions such as the Buckingham Fountain feature regularly in popular Chicago tourist brochures-and offer breathtaking scenery during the summer months!

The Museum of Contemporary Photography is the perfect place to explore the inspiring and ever-changing world of photography. With a focus on contemporary and modern work, visitors can learn about the innovative techniques used by photographers from a variety of backgrounds and look at examples from all around the world. From monochromatic street photography to vibrant prints that feature abstract shapes.

Buckingham Fountain is a Chicago landmark, Constructed in 1927, the fountain was made to honor the memory of former Chicago mayor, and later Illinois Senator, Kate S. Buckingham. The beautiful fountain rises from a lily pad shaped base and has four bronze seahorses which symbolize the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana that border Lake Michigan. It operates each day from 8am to 11pm, with every hour featuring a spectacular show of water.

The National Museum of Mexican Art, is a magnificent and informative exhibition of traditional and contemporary artwork from Mexico. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1987 and has since become one of the leading centers for preserving and celebrating Mexican culture and art. Visitors can enjoy hundreds of pieces on display across several permanent collections, as well as traveling exhibitions presented throughout the year.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, is an incredible musical resource. It is the second-oldest symphony orchestra in the United States and is highly respected for its precise technical performance and powerful emotional interpretations. For over 123 years, this storied institution has been providing professional musical entertainment to audiences from across the world with its expansive repertoire ranging from beloved classic works to pieces composed by living musicians.

The Art Institute of Chicago is a must-see landmark that has been an integral part of the city’s culture since it opened in 1879. As one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, this sprawling museum houses more than 300,000 works of art spanning over five millennia of history. The collection includes masterpieces from around the world. Notable exhibits include Impressionist paintings by Manet and Monet, to Rembrandt’s Self-Portrait and Chagall’s America Windows.

The Monadnock Building is a prime example of the American skyscraper's evolution. Constructed over a 15-year period from 1889-1893, it reflects Chicago's desire to stand out as an exemplar of modern architecture and construction. Its impressive height of 227 feet (69 meters) was intimidating for other city skyline contemporaries, and the brick façade with its steeply sloping roofline looked dramatically impressive and strong even after the Great Chicago Fire four years earlier.